Is there a better way to measure the growth of some key sectors than simply GDP? UKHospitality says that relying on such measures alone means that we miss the wider economic and social impact that a sector can have, and it has launched a Social Productivity Index which it says is a new way to measure growth. Host Carwyn Jones is joined by Allen Simpson of UKHospitality, Rebecca Rigby of Bluestone Wales and Gwenllian Roberts of Grwp Llandrillo Menai to discuss what the inaugural Index tells us about the contribution of hospitality to the economy and society and why this matters for hospitality leaders, employees and policymakers.

Host Gemma Casey is joined by David Chapman, UKHospitality Cymru; Neil Kedward, Seren Collection and Routescape and Damien Martin, The Parkgate Hotel, to consider how changes to employer National Insurance Contributions, minimum wage increases and ongoing uncertainty around business rates are adding up to a challenging time for the tourism and hospitality sectors, and to discuss how the industry can capitalise on a trend for ‘events tourism’.

With the tourism and hospitality sectors in Wales facing significant challenges, we consider the outlook for 2025. Host Carwyn Jones is joined by Rowland Rees-Evans, Chair of the Wales Tourism Alliance; Professor Claire Haven-Tang, Professor of Destination Development at Cardiff Metropolitan University; and Matt Barnby, Regional Operations Director of The Celtic Collection, to discuss how tourism and hospitality businesses can continue to provide a warm Welsh welcome to visitors, the support they need to overcome challenges and the opportunities to grow the sector.